Our Retirement Adventures

What We've Been Doing

In May 2021, David began working part-time at the neighborhood recreation center as a weight room attendant. It has been a great thing: he gets to work out for free, interact with other people, and make some money.

His moods have been reasonably stable as he continues to take his meds, visits with his doctor, and talks to me about his feelings. Working at the Rec Center is a major help for him; we feel grateful!

On occasion I have been writing blog posts for Familysearch. I enjoy working on different assignments learning about interesting subjects as well as earning a small amount of money.

I have also been spending time in the mornings taking some friends to an English class (so happy I can do that for them and watch them progress with speaking English!), go to the pool for a water aerobic class, a Tai Chi class (I enjoy the exercise and the socializing with friends), and a memoir writing class at the senior center (very helpful in keeping me motivated to write and fun to visit and listen to stories being told). I also have been playing around with painting classes as well as learning to do some rock painting by myself. I'm certainly no artist, but I'm enjoying it!

First watercolor card

From a pour paint party

Rock painting 

My sister Becky came home from 11 years in Japan, and taught me the Japanese folkart of making temari balls. It was wonderful getting to spend time together and with our Aunt Karren. 

We continue to go camping as often as possible during the warmer months. On one of our camping trips we noticed a number of retired couples out and about in side-by-sides. It looked like so much fun, we decided to get one, too.

Our Side by Side Toy

We bought a 2019 Kawasaki side-by-side in January 2022 that we affectionately call the Toy. We have had a lot of fun taking it out and exploring with it. So far, we have taken it out to the west desert of Utah, the Uintah mountains, and the San Rafael Swell. I do most of the driving because David’s hands cramp up when he drives it for too long. I love driving it! David has to tell me to slow down…

San Rafael Swell, 2023

Little Sahara, 2022. The T-shirts say, "But did you die?!"

Group trek above San Pete County, Utah, 2023

The Toy (West desert of Utah)

A Look Back at 2023

In addition to our camping trips, we spent time working around our house. We upgraded and refreshed both bathrooms, redid the front yard, and have new fences in the backyard. It looks considerably better

B

Update on the Family 

Our family continues to grow and change. We have a new granddaughter, Scarlett, born to youngest son Jeffrey and his wife Nikki! We are thrilled to have her with us. Lara began working for an immigration company and is happy in a new, healthy relationship. Katie and her husband, Andy, bought a new home, and we enjoyed watching their cute 3-year-old Helaina one day a week for most of the year. Brian retired from the Army as a Major! He is happily settled in Las Vegas, Nevada, teaching JROTC for this next phase of his life; we are proud! We enjoyed a visit with him and his family last year. We also spent a joyous few hours with both Ben and Brian and their families during a short visit.

Our oldest grandchildren are also progressing in their own lives. Oldest grandson, Zach, joined the Navy and is stationed in Virginia. Granddaughter Jenna became an airline pilot stationed in Chicago, Illinois. Grandson Ethan saved his money and took a trip to the Philippines on his own. Dylan is engaged, Gabby, Alex, and Alicia are all working and doing well.

Sometimes David and I look at each other and marvel. We have come so far with David’s mental health issues, as a couple, and as a family. We are enjoying this phase of life together.